Persian (Japanese: ペルシアン Persian) is a Normal-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I.
It evolves from Meowth starting at level 28.
In Alola, Persian has a Dark-type regional form. It evolves from Alolan Meowth when leveled up with high friendship.
(Specifics may differ in past games. Refer to Game data→Evolution data for these details.)
Biology
Persian is a large, quadrupedal, feline Pokémon. Its fur is pale tan with the exception of its black-rimmed ears. It has a short muzzle with a small, black nose, red eyes with slit pupils, rounded ears, a pair of pointed teeth in its upper jaw, and three whiskers on either side of its face. Its thick whiskers are very sensitive to changes in air movements, enabling it to detect its prey by movement alone. In the center of its forehead is a red jewel. Its long tail has a distinctive curl at the end. Persian communicates with body language and holds its tail upright to signal its intention to pounce. It has long legs and three-toed paws with retractable claws. Persian's lithe muscles also enable it to walk without making a sound.
Persian normally lives in towns and cities. Although popular for its elegance, it is extremely difficult to raise as a pet due to its fickle and temperamental personality. It will scratch anyone, including its Trainer, with little or no provocation, and has been observed ripping its prey apart for no discernible reason. However, when Persian is yanked by its whiskers, it becomes temporarily docile for unknown reasons. It is popular among rich people and is targeted by hunters for its jewel. Its relationship with Perrserker is one of mutual disdain, as Persian's refined and elegant personality clashes with Perrserker's barbaric nature. As mentioned in Pokémon Sleep, Persian is known to clean and groom itself even when asleep.[1] Even when asleep, Persian maintains its striking and haughty expression.
Persian and its evolutionary relatives are the only known Pokémon capable of learning the move Pay Day by leveling up.
Forms
Persian has a regional form: Alolan Persian.
Alolan Persian has a body that is similar to its regular counterpart, but it has blue-gray fur. Its face has a different shape, being larger and more rounded with noticeable jowls. This distinctive face, along with its high-class softer-than-velvet fur coat, is admired by the people of Alola. Its eyes are usually in a half-closed state, and instead of a red forehead jewel, it has a blue jewel. The jewel, though different in appearance, is made of mostly the same material the one on a regular Persian. In behavior, it is described as highly intelligent and having an even higher opinion of itself. It prefers to use underhanded tactics in battle, but its haughty personality causes it to underestimate opponents.
In Generation IX, Alolan Persian is the only known Pokémon that can have Fur Coat as an Ability.
Evolution
Persian evolves from Meowth.
Alolan Persian evolves from Alolan Meowth.
(For specifics on this Pokémon's Evolution in the games, refer to Game data→Evolution data.)
Game data
NPC appearances
Pokédex entries
| Generation I
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Kanto
#053
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| Red(JPN)
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(This entry was originally untranslated in English until it was reused in Pokémon FireRed.)
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| Green
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| Red(ENG)
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Although its fur has many admirers, it is tough to raise as a pet because of its fickle meanness.
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| Blue
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| Yellow
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The gem in its forehead glows on its own! It walks with all the grace and elegance of a proud queen.
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| Stadium
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It is highly regarded as a pet for its beautiful fur. However, it is extremely temperamental and difficult to keep.
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| Generation II
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Johto
#137
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| Gold
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Many adore it for its sophisticated air. However, it will lash out and scratch for little reason.
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| Silver
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Its lithe muscles allow it to walk without making a sound. It attacks in an instant.
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| Crystal
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Behind its lithe, elegant appearance lies a barbaric side. It will tear apart its prey on a mere whim.
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| Stadium 2
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Many adore it for its sophisticated air. However, it will lash out and scratch for little reason. (Pokémon Red, Silver, or Crystal inserted)
Its lithe muscles allow it to walk without making a sound. It attacks in an instant. (Pokémon Blue, Gold, or Yellow inserted)
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| Generation III
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Hoenn
#—
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Kanto
#053
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| Ruby
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Persian has six bold whiskers that give it a look of toughness. The whiskers sense air movements to determine what is in the Pokémon's surrounding vicinity. It becomes docile if grabbed by the whiskers.
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| Sapphire
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| Emerald
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A Persian's six bold whiskers sense air movements to determine what is in its vicinity. It becomes docile if grabbed by the whiskers.
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| FireRed
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Has a vicious temperament. Beware if it raises its tail straight up. It is a signal that it is about to pounce and bite.
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| LeafGreen
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Although its fur has many admirers, it is tough to raise as a pet because of its fickle meanness.
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| Generation IV
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Sinnoh
#—
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Johto
#139
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| Diamond
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A very haughty Pokémon. Among fans, the size of the jewel in its forehead is a topic of much talk.
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| Pearl
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| Platinum
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| HeartGold
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Many adore it for its sophisticated air. However, it will lash out and scratch for little reason.
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| SoulSilver
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Its lithe muscles allow it to walk without making a sound. It attacks in an instant.
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| Generation V
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Unova
#—
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| Black
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A very haughty Pokémon. Among fans, the size of the jewel in its forehead is a topic of much talk.
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| White
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| Black 2
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A very haughty Pokémon. Among fans, the size of the jewel in its forehead is a topic of much talk.
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| White 2
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| Generation VI
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Kalos
#—
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Hoenn
#—
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| X
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Although its fur has many admirers, it is tough to raise as a pet because of its fickle meanness.
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| Y
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Its lithe muscles allow it to walk without making a sound. It attacks in an instant.
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| Omega Ruby
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Persian has six bold whiskers that give it a look of toughness. The whiskers sense air movements to determine what is in the Pokémon's surrounding vicinity. It becomes docile if grabbed by the whiskers.
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| Alpha Sapphire
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| Generation VII
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Alola
S M : #046
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Alola
US UM : #053
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Kanto
#053
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| Sun
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It has a violent temperament. It will attack anything that looks it in the eye. Its sharp claws inflict deep wounds.
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| Moon
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It has a high opinion of itself, although not to the same extent as the Alolan Persian. It's quite difficult to make friends with this Pokémon.
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| Ultra Sun
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Although the jewel on its forehead appears to be a different color than those of Alolan Persian, it's mostly made of the same material.
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| Ultra Moon
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This Pokémon is popular with rich people. It's also targeted by hunters who are after the jewel in its forehead.
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| Let's Go Pikachu
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The gem in its forehead glows on its own! It walks with all the grace and elegance of a proud queen.
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| Let's Go Eevee
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| Alolan Persian
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| Sun
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Its round face and smooth coat—softer than the most high-class velvet—have made this a very popular Pokémon in Alola.
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| Moon
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It looks down on everyone other than itself. Its preferred tactics are sucker punches and blindside attacks.
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| Ultra Sun
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In contrast to its lovely face, it's so brutal that it tortures its weakened prey rather than finishing them off.
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| Ultra Moon
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Its round face is a symbol of wealth. Persian that have bigger, plumper faces are considered more beautiful.
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| Let's Go Pikachu
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It has the classiest coat. The rippling of its fur in the heat of battle has a beauty all its own.
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| Let's Go Eevee
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| Generation VIII
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Galar
#184
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Sinnoh
#—
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Hisui
#—
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| This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Legends: Arceus.
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| Sword
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Getting this prideful Pokémon to warm up to you takes a lot of effort, and it will claw at you the moment it gets annoyed.
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| Shield
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Its elegant and refined behavior clashes with that of the barbaric Perrserker. The relationship between the two is one of mutual disdain.
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| Brilliant Diamond
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It is a very haughty Pokémon. Among fans of Persian, the size of the jewel in its forehead is a topic of much talk.
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| Shining Pearl
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| Alolan Persian
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| Sword
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The round face of Alolan Persian is considered to be a symbol of prosperity in the Alola region, so these Pokémon are very well cared for.
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| Shield
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This Pokémon is one tough opponent. Not only does it have formidable physical abilities, but it's also not above fighting dirty.
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| Generation IX
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Paldea
#142
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Kitakami
#—
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Blueberry
#—
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| Scarlet
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Although its fur has many admirers, it is tough to raise as a pet because of its fickle meanness.
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| Violet
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It has a vicious temperament. Beware if it raises its tail straight up. This is a signal that it is about to pounce and bite.
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Game locations
In side games
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| Generation II
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| This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation II side games.
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Held items
Persian
Pokémon caught in Generation I must be traded to a Generation II game in order for a held item to appear.
Alolan Persian
Stats
Base stats
Persian
| Stat
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Range
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| At Lv. 50
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At Lv. 100
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65
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125 - 172
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240 - 334
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70
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67 - 134
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130 - 262
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60
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58 - 123
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112 - 240
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65
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63 - 128
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121 - 251
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65
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63 - 128
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121 - 251
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115
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108 - 183
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211 - 361
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Total: 440
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Other Pokémon with this total
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- Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature.
- Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.
- This Pokémon's Special base stat in Generation I was 65.
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Alolan Persian
| Stat
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Range
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| At Lv. 50
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At Lv. 100
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65
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125 - 172
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240 - 334
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60
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58 - 123
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112 - 240
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60
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58 - 123
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112 - 240
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75
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72 - 139
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139 - 273
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65
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63 - 128
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121 - 251
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115
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108 - 183
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211 - 361
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Total: 440
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Other Pokémon with this total
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- Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature.
- Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.
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Pokéathlon stats
Type effectiveness
Persian
| Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:
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Alolan Persian
| Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:
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Learnset
Persian
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Persian
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Persian
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations
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Alolan Persian
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Persian
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Persian
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations
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Persian
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Persian
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution or an alternate form of Persian
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations
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Alolan Persian
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Persian
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution or an alternate form of Persian
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations
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Persian
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- Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Persian
- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Persian
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Persian
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations
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Alolan Persian
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- Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Persian
- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Persian
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Persian
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Persian
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Persian
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Persian
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Alolan Persian
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Persian
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Persian
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TCG-only moves
Side game data
Persian
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Pokémon Rumble Rush
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Walking Speed: 1.38 seconds
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Base HP: 52
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| Base Attack: 75
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Base Defense: 51
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Base Speed: 70
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Pokémon Sleep
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Sleep type: Snoozing
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Pokémon type: Normal
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Points to befriend: 12
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| Specialty: Skills
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Berry:
 Persim Berry ×1
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Primary ingredient:
 Moomoo Milk ×1
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| Possible ingredients:
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| Moomoo Milk
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 Bean Sausage
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| Main skill: Dream Shard Magnet S
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Base carry limit: 12
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| Obtain 240 Dream Shards.
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| Even when asleep, Persian's haughtiness is striking. It appears to clean its face and groom itself even as it sleeps, stretching its lithe body with ease.
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| Elegant Sleep
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Sturdy Sleep
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Apologetic Sleep
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Atop-Belly Sleep
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| ★★★★★
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★★★★★
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★★★★★
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★★★★★
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Alolan Persian
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Pokémon Rumble Rush
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Walking Speed: 1.38 seconds
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Base HP: 52
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| Base Attack: 76
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Base Defense: 51
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Base Speed: 70
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Evolution data
Persian
Alolan Persian
Alolan Persian evolves from Alolan Meowth when leveled up with high friendship. In Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, Alolan Persian evolves from Alolan Meowth starting at level 28.
Sprites
In the anime
Main series
Major appearances
Giovanni has a Persian as his primary Pokémon. It first appeared in Battle Aboard the St. Anne, which also marked the species' debut. While it is almost always seen at his side, it was only seen battling once, though it proved itself to be an extremely powerful opponent. Meowth seems to be its "rival" as Giovanni's "top cat".
A Madame owns an Alolan Persian nicknamed Pershie, which first appeared in That's Why the Litten is a Scamp!. It has a tendency to chase smaller Pokémon such as Ash's Litten, Sandy, and Lana's Popplio.
Other
In Go West, Young Meowth!, a Persian was the leader of a pack of street Meowth that Team Rocket's Meowth was once part of.
In The Mandarin Island Miss-Match, Ash battled a Trainer's Persian, and it was eventually defeated by Squirtle's Skull Bash.
In Saved by the Beldum!, Vivica owns a Persian. Tyson's Meowth quickly defeated it during the preliminaries of the Ever Grande Conference, but it continued to attack Persian in a fit of rage before being recalled.
In Guiding an Awakening!, Nanu used an Alolan Persian in Nanu's grand trial against Ash. It was defeated by Lycanroc's Accelerock after it countered its Z-Move.
Minor appearances
A Persian appeared in a fantasy in Battle Aboard the St. Anne.
In The Problem with Paras, Lacy found a Persian sleeping in the backyard and decided it should be Cassandra's company mascot, not Meowth.
A Persian appeared in a fantasy in Tricks of the Trade.
In Beauty and the Breeder, a Pokémon Breeder's Persian participated in the Pokémon Beauty Contest.
A Coordinator's Persian appeared in All Things Bright and Beautifly!.
A Coordinator's Persian appeared in Mean With Envy.
In a flashback in Saved by the Beldum!, a Persian led a group of Meowth that left Tyson's Meowth behind.
A Coordinator's Persian appeared in What I Did for Love!.
In Genesect and the Legend Awakened, a Persian lived in Pokémon Hills. It later battled the Genesect Army.
A Trainer's Alolan Persian appeared in A Young Royal Flame Ignites!.
A Trainer's Alolan Persian appeared in Turning the Other Mask!.
In Dreams Are Made of These!, a Persian led a trio of Meowth during an attack on a Raticate and a trio of Rattata.
A Trainer's Persian appeared in Solitary and Menacing!.
A Persian appeared in a flashback in The Good, The Bad, and The Lucky!.
Pokédex entries
| Episode
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Pokémon
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Source
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Entry
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| BW096
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Persian
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Ash's Pokédex
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Persian, the Classy Cat Pokémon and the evolved form of Meowth. Persian can walk silently thanks to its nimble muscles. It pounces on its prey at lightning speed.
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| Episode
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Pokémon
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Source
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Entry
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| JN020
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Persian
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Ash's Rotom Phone
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Persian, the Classy Cat Pokémon. A Normal type. Persian detects its surroundings by using its six whiskers to sense movements in the air.
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Pokémon Origins
In File 4: Charizard, Red used a Persian during the Pokémon League and later to battle with a Fearow.
Pokémon Generations
A Persian appeared in Ecruteak City in The Reawakening, during a flashback about the creation of the legendary beasts.
Pokémon Masters Animated Trailer
In the Pokémon Masters Animated Trailer, Nanu's Alolan Persian was part of a team with its Trainer and Grimsley.
GOTCHA!
An Alolan Persian briefly appeared in GOTCHA!, under the ownership of Nanu.
Pokémon Evolutions
A Persian appeared in The Discovery, under the ownership of a Lass. It was used to challenge Green to a battle and lost almost immediately.
In the manga
The Electric Tale of Pikachu
- Main article: Giovanni's Persian
Giovanni's Persian was seen watching him in Ash vs. Gary as his anger fades away from remembering the giant Slowpoke that Team Rocket scientists created.
How I Became a Pokémon Card
The backstory of how Giovanni met Persian is revealed that he rescued it when he was a child.
Pokémon Adventures
In Purrrr-sian, Super Nerd Miles is seen using a Persian to attack Yellow. It scratches the walls of buildings to create dissonance to disorient Yellow.
Sird has a Persian as one of her main team members that first appeared in A Beastly Cold Reception. While it was probably well-trained and helped Sird obtain her position in Team Rocket, it lost to Lorelei's Slowking, forcing her to pursue other means to win the battle.
A Trainer's Persian appeared in The Final Dimensional Duel II.
In The Grand Entrance and Delivery Boy Sun, a Persian appears with a Meowth in a book owned by a young Sun, while he was talking to his grandfather on a video chat.
An Alolan Persian under the ownership of Nanu first appeared in Pokémon Move Specialist Professor Kukui, where it was used to battle against Olivia's Lycanroc.
Pokémon Pocket Monsters
A three-eyed Persian appeared in Big Battle in the Viridian Forest!!.
Green's Meowth evolved into a Persian and devolved back into Meowth.
In the TCG
- Main article: Persian (TCG)
Trivia
Origin
Despite its namesake, Persian appears to be more based on large cats such as leopards and cougars than Persian cats. It also appears similar to Siamese cats and its species in Japanese is シャムネコ or "shamuneko" meaning "Siamese Cat". The gem on its head makes it resemble a Carbuncle, a Latin American mythological beast that had a jewel on its forehead.
Unlike Kantonian Persian, Alolan Persian appears to be based more on domestic cats that underwent selective breeding, specifically those owned by royalty. In particular, its appearance greatly resembles a British Shorthair, an imported breed known well for its large and rounded head and pronounced 'smile', which the breed developed through artificial selection as part of the process of developing its pedigree. Its blue jewel and gray fur may be a visual pun on the "British Blue" color variant. Due to its large head and mannerisms, it may also be a visual pun on the term of being "big-headed".
Name origin
Persian may refer to Persian cats or possibly Persian leopards. It could also be related to purr, the onomatopoeia for the noise a cat makes when content.
In other languages
| Language
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Title
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Meaning
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 Japanese
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ペルシアン Persian
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From Persian
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 French
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Persian
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Same as English/Japanese name
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 Spanish
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Persian
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Same as English/Japanese name
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 German
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Snobilikat
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From Snob, nobilis, and Katze
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 Italian
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Persian
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Same as English/Japanese name
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 Korean
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페르시온 Persion
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Transcription of Japanese name and possibly lion
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 Mandarin Chinese
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貓老大 / 猫老大 Māolǎodà
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From 貓 / 猫 māo and 老大 lǎodà
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 Cantonese Chinese
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貓老大 Māaulóuhdaaih*
高竇貓 Gōudaumāau*
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From 貓 māau and 老大 lóuhdaaih
From 高竇貓 gōudaumāau
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| More languages
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 Danish
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Persianer*
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From Persian, though the word itself refers to a karakul pelt
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 Finnish
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Persialainen
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Literally "Persian"
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 Hindi
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पर्शियन Persian
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Transcription of English name
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 Lithuanian
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Persijanas
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From English name
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 Brazilian Portuguese
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Persa
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Literally "Persian"
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 Russian
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Персиан Persian
Перс Pers
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Transcription of English name
Literally "Persian"
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 Swedish
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Persen*
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From pers, persian
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 Thai
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เปอร์เซียน Poesian
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Transcription of Japanese name
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Related articles
References
External links
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This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon species, as well as Pokémon groups and forms.
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Berry (100%)
Quick Claw (5%)
For other sprites and images, please see Persian images on the Bulbagarden Archives.
